Kolkata, Nov. 14 -- India's pace bowling mainstay Jasprit Bumrah's riveting five-wicket haul on Kolkata's surface against South Africa, which was destined to assist spinners, wasn't due to any magic but a result of consistency and staying patient in Test cricket.

India's adoption of a four-spinner attack for the first time since December 2012 was a clear indication that Eden Gardens would liven up for the ball tweakers as the opening Test progresses. In the opening hour, India, put to bowl by the World Test champions South Africa, struggled to hit the correct lengths due to inconsistent variation as the tourists forged a sturdy 57-run opening stand.

After getting a grasp of the conditions, Bumrah made the ball dance to his tunes, and th...